Created by a Kansas grandfamily
LIKE YOURS!
EDUCATION, ADVOCACY & SUPPORT FOR GRANDFAMILIES & KINSHIP CARE!
PLEASE click on the MENU above and seek out what resources you are needing or missing!
OUR PURPOSE
GrandfamiliesRising was formed to provide an online resource for all kinship families across Kansas to access the services needed to raise a child and support the entire family unit!
If you are here because you've chosen the rewarding job of caring for kin/grandchildren, you have come to the right place!
Locating and navigating resources can be daunting, but we are here to help. As you know, this decision driven by love, isn't easy, and our goal is to assist you in finding resources that support you and your kinship/grandfamily.
Click on the links at the top of the page to learn more about grandfamilies and available resources such as:
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Monetary Support(s) dependent on custody
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Access to food assistance
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Access to medical care
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Mental Health links
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Agency Support(s)
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AND MORE ON THE WAY SOON!
For any questions, use the "Contact Us" link, and we'll do our best to help. Together, we can succeed!
We need to hear from you!
If you would, please fill out the following survey, so that we can learn where all the grandfamilies are located in Kansas!
The survey is not long, you do not have to divulge any personal information but it lets us know where you are located, statistics about your specific family situation and any needs you may struggle with!
CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO START!
Kansas Grandfamilies Survey
Our Story
My grandfamily and I live in Southeast Kansas. In 2019, due to the opioid epidemic, I obtained temporary custody of my three grandchildren (then ages 4, 11, and 12) through private means. Despite seeking adequate services, we weren't able to get services in order to address the trauma. In 2021, when parental rights were terminated, in an effort to help us, the judge placed them in state custody (DCF) to assist with adoption which also allowed us access to other resources we didn't "qualify" for before.
Despite the adoption being finalized in 2022, we still faced multiple systemic issues in seeking help during our journey. There's a disparity in understanding trauma within grandfamilies and supporting "invisible" needs. Obtaining support in child welfare, education, juvenile justice, and basic needs systems is challenging. My experience as a special educator and licensed Masters-level social worker helped me navigate these systems successfully most of the time. I aim to share my insights to help others raising grandfamilies....like yours!
